Writing a story is no easy feat. No matter the length of the story, it is hard to stay committed to process. In fact, I could argue that one of the hardest parts of successfully completing a book is the discipline required to stick with it. How many times have you had a great idea for the next best seller only to leave a short synopsis or rough version of ‘chapter one’ collecting dust in your notebook or hard drive.
I realized quickly that it would be important not to fall into this pitfall of a mistake. I enjoy writing and creating stories too much to see them go to waste! So with that in mind I created a process and goal to keep myself accountable to. I’m here to share with you that process of what’s worked with me.
The details of everyone’s goal will be a little different depending on the project and time available to give, but I believe the single most important feature is setting up a word count goal. That is, what is the bare minimum amount of words that I want to add to my story. I do it weekly… I had tried daily for awhile but it proved to be unrealistic for someone who has a full time job. Perhaps a full-time writer has daily goals.
For me, my bottom line number is 5,000 words a week. This actually isn’t that much but that’s the point. It’s the minimum amount I want to give. So even on a busy as h@#L week, I know I’m still making movement on the story. Nothing kills progress and momentum faster than a complete hiatus from the story. This is because when you finally get back into writing- you first have to get caught back up with the details of what you’ve established. That two week reprieve now costs you three or four weeks! It also opens your story for holes in the plot.
I mostly exceed this goal and when I do, great! Even more gained. 🙂 but those extra words a week above 5,000 are not as important–for me– as consistently hitting my goal.
Try it out! Keep that word count high enough to push you a little throughout the week without overwhelming you into quitting. That’s a whole different mistake. I promise, if you keep chipping away at that story you’ll actually stay more involved with, and enjoy the story that’s running wild in your mind.
Happy Writing!
P.S> Here’s a link to my recently published book. 🙂
~Cam
Author Cameron Kielb 